Airports around the country are investing millions in enhancing the passenger experience from the moment a passenger arrives or departs. According to Architectural Record, more than 50 U.S. airports could collectively account for up to $70 billion in construction projects during the next three years, in an effort to modernize aging and outdated facilities. Much of the focus of these capital infrastructure programs are terminals and their amenities, including retail and dining upgrades that can offer travelers unique shopping and dining experiences with a local flavor and feel.
Maintaining 24/7 operations and a fully functional terminal during major retail and dining reconstruction is a challenge for busy airports wanting to expand to meet projected demand and enhance the passenger experience.
For the Port of Seattle’s Sea-Tac Airport Dining and Retail Upgrades Project, HNTB is providing design and design support during construction for modifying, upgrading and/or expanding existing utilities, vertical conveyance, and other facility infrastructure to support the airport’s vision of improved amenities. The following best practices were employed to keep passengers satisfied and revenue flowing, even during the temporary discomfort and inconvenience caused by construction:
- Temporary kiosks. Instead of closing amenities completely and leaving passengers “stranded,” temporary kiosks, complete with utilities, can put dining and retail at passengers’ fingertips and offer tenants a steady business during construction. Pop-up stores and other experiences can offer changing inventory and local brands on a temporary basis.
- Versatile visuals. Animated visuals, depicting construction phasing, the temporary kiosks and the finished spaces can bring the project to life. These detailed graphics can support financial decision-making, help generate tenant and stakeholder buy-in and identify potential passenger pinch points. Posting the animated visuals — along with still images — on construction walls includes travelers in the excitement and offers a glimpse of the coming-soon spaces.
- Effective phasing. Sequencing construction attempts to avoid interfering with daily operations, aircraft movement, high-volume travel days and other airport projects to keep departures, arrivals and baggage handling operating normally.
- Coordination. Collaborating with other on-site projects will minimize potential risks and added disruption while speeding implementation of project upgrades.
- Creativity. Reimagining terminal space with such features as a children’s play area and a pet relief station can increase your airport’s emphasis on convenience and comfort.
Putting the passenger first ensures a successful project
Construction and passenger satisfaction aren’t mutually exclusive. Both goals can be met, allowing the airport to achieve a level of dining and retail that will increase passenger impressions, offer a glimpse of the city, region or country and possibly raise non-aeronautical revenues by millions of dollars per year.
For the successful Bradley West Terminal Modernization project at Los Angeles International Airport, HNTB contributed to all aspects of the design and construction. Built for the 1984 Olympics, the international terminal had become too small to remain world-class: all concessions were pre-security and it could not accommodate new Airbus A380 aircraft. The modernization addressed those challenges by doubling the size of the terminal, renovating it and replacing existing concourses.
New concourses were equipped to handle larger planes, like the A380, and their passengers. The new Villaraigosa Pavilion, which sits beyond security checkpoints, features more than 60 premiere dining and duty-free shops. And, retooled security checkpoints allow departing passengers to move from ticketing through security in less time. The new facility can handle 4,500 arriving passengers per hour, nearly doubling capacity. With Los Angeles selected as the Host City of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the airport is prepared to welcome visitors with a world-class facility.
In addition to Los Angeles International Airport, many airports across the country have successfully met the challenge and completed massive enhancements and upgrades while preserving the passenger experience.
Chuck Dedmon, PE serves as project manager for HNTB. He brings 21 years of experience in the successful delivery of airport, road, highway, and bridge projects involving concept, design and construction phases. He is skilled in the coordination of stakeholders and brings an understanding of the integration of various disciplines required for complex engineering projects. He can be reached at [email protected]. HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm that provides award-winning architecture, engineering, planning and construction services. For more information, visit www.hntb.com.
